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Steeler17
Steelers 2018 Draft
Published at 3/19/2018
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With Free Agency fully underway, it seems as if the Steelers have already set their eyes on the draft to fill in the holes on this team. Here is my go at what I think the Steeler’s should do. Two notes, first is we already signed an ILB, I think we add a WR and S depth pieces before the draft. Second note, just to make it fun, the Steelers trade back with the Tampa Bay Buc’s. They get our first round pick and we get their second and third. The Steelers are in a rough spot at 28, as it seems most ILB’s will be off the board and S has more value in the second day of the draft. Trading back nets another high pick which will be key to helping us next year. The Buc’s could be moving up for a DT like Hurst or even a RB like Guice before he is opened up to the rest of the league.

Round 2 (From Buc’s)- Justin Reid, S:

After the signing of Bostic, the Steelers have a starter at both S and ILB so they don’t have to reach for either position. Luckily for the Steelers, Reid is a stout cover safety which should take some pressure off of Davis who is more of a run stopper. Reid would be able to supplement Wilcox and Davis while honing his skills. Hopefully he will be able to take over Wilcox’s spot as the season progresses.

Round 2- Mike Gesicki, TE

The Steelers have shown some major interest at TE, and Gesicki is what the Steelers have been trying to find in a TE. McDonald is a great blocker with underrated athleticism, while James is a late career clone of Heath Miller. He also only has one year left on his deal and seems unlikely to receive a second contract. Gesicki could function as a utility piece behind these two, specifically in the redzone, while also serving as insurance if the injury bug strikes. Next year he can serve as the starter or number two.

Round 3 (from Buc’s)- Lorenzo Carter, OLB

Even with ILB now being the largest need, OLB provides more value here. With Moats gone and Dupree not living up to his potential, new bodies are needed to drive up competition. Adams, last years 7th round pick, can came in and vye for a back-up spot, but Carter gives the team even more flexibility, Carter can sit behind Dupree and either supplement him or take over his spot if Dupree continues to disappoints.

Round 3- Shaquem Griffin, ILB

As athletic and explosive Griffin is, he is in now way ready to start. That being said, he is as close to Shazier as you are going to get. He is a twitch athlete but is still raw for the position. He can easily serve as the number three ILB and even come in for some passing downs. Ideally he can develop into a quality starter on the defense.

Round 5 (from San Fran)- Allen Lazard, WR

There are a lot of 5th round receivers I like and could envision the Steelers drafting (specifically Wilson from Bosie St and Ateman from Oklahoma). I went with Lazard though do his completely raw talent. He is tall and has supreme athleticism for a player his size. He also gets the benefit of not having any expectations his rookie season, as Bryant, Brown, and JuJu have the top three spots locked down. Next year once Bryant leaves though, he could have a good shot of taking over his spot. Worse comes to worse, he should be able to be used as a redzone threat.

Round 5- Taron Johnson, CB

While we finally have some stability at our CB position, with the release of Gay, we have a developmental spot wide open. This was held by Allen last year, but I feel like he will begin working on ST along with some spot defensive playing time. While Johnson would likely not play his rookie season, he provides another body in case of injury. On top of that, he was highly athletic and has great developmental potential. A few years down the road he could be a starter if he develops well.

Round 7 (from NYG)- Joshua Frazier, NT

Frazier didn’t play much at ‘Bama, but he is a moldable piece of clay. He also played under our new D-line coach and had dinner with the Steelers. Ideally, he can develop into a rotational run stuffing D-linemen.

Round 7- Martez Carter, RB:

The Steeler’s target a RB to round out their draft. At this point, looking for a role playing RB makes sense. Carter isn’t in any way a feature back, but he has great athleticism and pass catching abilities. He reminds me a lot of Darron Sproles, and could have a similar role with the Steelers. He can compete as a KR/PR and when Bell leaves next year serve as the 3rd down back.



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